Qantas reveals post-coronavirus safety and social distancing measures for flights

Qantas has revealed the safety and social distancing measures passengers can expect once coronavirus travel restrictions are eased.

The changes will be based on medical advice, feedback from customers and lessons learned from repatriation flights from virus hot-spots

Passengers on both Qantas and Jetstar will be strongly encouraged to check-in online or on their app and use the self-serve bag drop.

There will also be hand sanitising stations at departure gates and Qantas lounges.

However, there will be no empty seats between passengers with the airline’s medical director saying it was unnecessary.

Dr Ian Hosegood said data showed the actual risk of catching coronavirus on an aircraft was already extremely low.

“That’s due to a combination of factors, including the cabin air filtration system, the fact people don’t sit face-to-face and the high backs of aircraft seats acting as a physical barrier,” he said.

“As far as the virus goes, an aircraft cabin is a very different environment to other forms of public transport.

"Social distancing on an aircraft isn’t practical the way it is on the ground, and given the low transmission risk on board, we don’t believe it’s necessary in order to be safe.”

Qantas lounges be changed to encourage physical distancing and surfaces will also be disinfected regularly.

The airline said that it is working with airports on other safeguards, including regular disinfection of security screening points and installing hygiene screens at airline customer service desks.

Mask will be provided to all passengers and while they will not be mandatory, everyone will be encouraged to wear them

Qantas said that there will be enhanced cleaning of aircraft with a disinfectant effective against coronaviruses, with a focus on high contact areas like seats, seatbelts, overhead lockers, air vents and toilets.

All passengers will be encouraged to download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app.

Sanitising wipes will be given to all passengers to if they prefer to wipe down seat belts, trays and armrests themselves.

There will be a simplified service and catering to minimise contact between crew and passengers.

Passengers will also be asked to limit movement around cabin, once seated and there will staggered boarding and disembarkation to minimise crowding at gates.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said safety had always been the airline’s number one priority.

"From the early rescue flights we operated right into Wuhan and then more recently bringing Australians back from places like the US and Europe, we have a lot of experience at creating a safe cabin environment for passengers and crew,” he said.

"We’re relying on the cooperation of passengers to help make these changes work for everyone’s benefit, and we thank them in advance for that.

“Given the great job Australians have done at flattening the curve, we’re confident they’ll respond positively to these temporary changes to how we fly.”

Change fees have also be waived for any domestic Jetstar or Qantas flights booked between May 21 and June 20 for travel between June 12 and October 31.

Passengers who cancel Qantas or Jetstar international flights deaprting between August 1 and October 31 will retain the full value as a flight credit.

Jetstar credit vouchers allow up to two years to travel from issue date.

If a flight is cancelled by Qantas customers will be rebooked on the next available flight at no additional cost. Alternatively, customers can choose a flight credit or a refund.